Diving Deep

If I have learned one lesson since I have been in Jordan, it would be that I am not the most committed blogger. As you can see, it has been about two weeks since I last published an entry. Acknowledging this fact, I believe it is about time that fill in the gaps of my time here. I am sure that some details of my trip (while they may be broad) would be appreciated.

While I have discussed Jordan and the culture here with many people before, this is by far a completely different trip from my past experiences. As I mentioned in my last entry, the adjustments that I have faced were rather unexpected. However in the almost 5 weeks that I have been here, I have had some truly incredible experiences and gotten the chance to actually live in and experience a culture that I have appreciated and been interested in for almost 2 years now. I am almost positive that every student who has studied overseas has said similar things. But again, I'd like to point out the fact that, because I have traveled to Jordan before, I believe that I am able to dive that much deeper into the Jordanian culture. In previous travels, I've waded in the shallow waters of the lifestyle in Amman; I've even gotten my hair wet in the rich history of the society. Now however, in this fall semester, I have the chance to take a plunge into the deep waters of Jordan and its people.

Having said all of this, I am afraid that I am going to have to disappoint everyone once again: the details of the last 5 weeks are going to have to wait just a bit longer. One of the many simple joys that I have found while living here in Jordan has been my disconnection with most modern forms of technological infrastructure. This doesn't mean that I cannot use the internet or check my email, clearly as I am publishing this post. This does mean though that my dependence upon these tools, especially my cellphone, has evaporated along with all other moisture in this desert. I send probably a total of 15 text messages a week, which those of you who know me back home, realize that this is a remarkable feat. The point of all of this is that the internet connection is not always the most reliable piece of Jordanian society...come to think of it, the only reliable aspect I can think of would be Jordanian hospitality. Sorry taxi drivers, you did not win this one, believe it or not. Anyhow, the pictures that I wanted to upload with this entry are currently not working. And I did not want to begin to describe my time here without pictures. So please, I just want to ask you exercise a bit more patience. I promise to submit a new, full-bodied entry (with PICTURES) the next time I post (most likely this Saturday/Sunday).

I want to thank everyone for even encouraging me to write and keep this blog. I hope that it hasn't been too much of a disappointment. I mean, even on days like today, you get a small glimpse of life here, illustrated by the lack of internet dependability. At least that's what I am going to tell myself. But as it is getting late here, I need to go work on my Arabic homework...my wonderful professor, Dr. Muna, informed my class this week that now that we have learned the alphabet and covered some basic aspects of grammer, my class has moved from an Arabic Level 1 to Level 2 class! I don't know whether to be excited or scared out of my mind. Either way, that probably is a sign that I need to start actually focusing on my homework.

Oh, and one last note of interest...Sean (my roommate) and I have now official booked hotel rooms in Dubai! Thirty-two dollars a night, in downtown Dubai? Who would have thought such existed? 

In for the Long Haul

Three weeks in another country can seem like a lifetime. It can even feel suffocating to acknowledge the fact that you have made this decision yourself, to leave all those that you love behind. For what? Adventure? To experience another culture? To learn a new language? Or even because you tell yourself that you are looking for something? But what is that something that you are looking for after all?


As I begin my fourth week here in Jordan, these are the questions that I have wrestled with for the past twenty-odd days. My first two weeks here in country were full of the orientation events that one would expect to take place when beginning a new college program. However I, of course, did not take these into consideration in anticipation to my trip. 
"Jordan? Oh yeah, I've been there before," I said to myself as I walked through the security checkpoints in ATL's Hartsfield-Jackson airport, having said a tearful goodbye (you killed me, dad) to my family. Knowing that I would have plenty of wonderful, new experiences in a country that I loved, I did not expect the transitions that I would face in my first two weeks here. Have no doubts: I LOVE it here. The difficulties that I have faced since I have been here have been completely unrelated to Jordan, the culture, the people, or even the language barrier. I failed to take into consideration the fact that I was basically starting college over. A whole new school- encompassing a larger campus, different professors, and new comrades. My first two week were an adjustment. But have no fear, I believe I can confidently say: my feet are set. And I am here. I'm here to stay. 


So, considering those questions that I have been asking myself, did I leave my loved ones behind? Of course.
Did I come to Jordan- seeking adventure, attempting to become Bedouin myself, and hopefully to learn as much Arabic as possible? Without a doubt.
And lastly, am I looking for something, here in Amman, in the bustling city and in the vast desert? Absolutely. 


But I have come to this overarching conclusion that rises above all of my fears, doubts, and joys: I am here to ask just these questions and more. And to seek out their answers. I am here to learn about myself and the world around me. 


Regardless of the insecurities that I once had, it is refreshing to walk outside of my small two bedroom apartment, look around, and know that this is where I belong.


At least where I belong for the time being...until I find somewhere else to wander off and ask questions. 








Oh, and as I said, the Bedouin lifestyle is definitely for me: